INDEPENDENCE, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2026) — Boone County Distilling is expanding its whiskey lineup with an eight-year-old rye that has already earned a gold medal, a 95-point rating and recognition in Forbes.
The Northern Kentucky distillery’s Founder’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey received a gold medal and an “Exceptional” designation from the Beverage Testing Institute. The recognition also landed the release in Forbes’ “America’s Best Rye Whiskey, According to BevTest.”
Priced at $54.99, Founder’s Reserve is available at the distillery’s gift shop. In its release announcement, Boone County Distilling said distribution to select retailers, including Kroger, The Party Source and Total Wine, was forthcoming.
The whiskey uses a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted rye, making its grain recipe entirely rye. Produced at Boone County Distilling’s Northern Kentucky facility, the release adds an aged rye expression to a portfolio that includes small-batch bourbons, single-barrel selections and bourbon cream.
According to the distillery’s tasting notes, Founder’s Reserve offers aromas of caramelized sugar, stone fruit, toasted rye and cinnamon. The palate brings brown sugar, vanilla and toasted grain flavors.
That combination places sweet and grain-forward notes alongside the spice associated with rye whiskey. Forbes described the release as suited to both classic cocktails and sipping neat.
The whiskey’s development also reflects the influence of Larry Ebersold, a Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame member known as the “Godfather of Rye.” Ebersold guided Boone County Distilling’s team as it developed and refined its rye production skills.
“When you walk through our rickhouse, every single barrel tells its own story,” said Michael Wells, master distiller at Boone County Distilling. “Working alongside Larry Ebersold to hone our rye whiskey skills was a masterclass in patience and precision, giving us the confidence and ability to bring this excellent rye release to life right here in Northern Kentucky.”
For Wells, the award provides recognition of the work behind the whiskey.
“Earning a Gold Medal tells us that the hard work paid off, and we can’t wait for folks to pour a glass and taste what went into it,” he said.
The release gives visitors another expression to explore at the distillery, located just off Interstate 75 near Independence. Its location serves both the Greater Cincinnati market and travelers visiting Kentucky’s bourbon destinations.
Boone County Distilling’s proximity to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport also makes it a convenient beginning or ending stop for visitors flying into the region for a Kentucky Bourbon Trail trip.
Along with its retail offerings, the distillery provides tours and tasting experiences that introduce visitors to its production and spirits portfolio.
More information about Founder’s Reserve, distillery experiences and other releases is available at boonedistilling.com.
